WHILE the Victorian Government pledged an investment of more than $2.9 billion to build new hospitals and upgrade existing ones in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 last week, nothing was itemised for Western District Health Service (WDHS).

Despite espousing record investments to upgrade and improve health infrastructure, including a $300 million injection to upgrade regional hospitals and healthcare facilities in every corner of the state, WDHS has again been overlooked.

Under the budget’s The Regional Health and Infrastructure Fund, other hospitals around Victoria were allocated funding for operating theatre refurbishments, new waiting rooms and hospital beds, and life saving medical equipment.

WDHS was seeking $32 million to redevelop the front of the Hamilton Base Hospital on Foster Street, including the Emergency Department (ED) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

WDHS chief executive Rohan Fitzgerald said that funding of the ED and ICU services at the Hamilton Base Hospital would have been transformational to ensure delivery of its services in a building that meets contemporary design guidelines.

“WDHS is incredibly disappointed that funding of the redevelopment has again not been funded in the State Budget,” he said.

“Many people in the community have experienced first-hand the physical constraints of the ED at WDHS.

“Currently there are privacy issues in these critical areas, a lack of basic amenities, including toilets and inappropriate spacing between cubicles. 

“A great deal of effort has gone into building a strong case for this redevelopment and we were expecting a positive outcome, after many years advocating for this project.

“The real losers in this are our hardworking staff, who will continue to work in sub-optimal conditions, providing services to our community.”

Health minister, Martin Foley said this Budget invested in regional health “because regional Victorians deserve the same level of care as people in Melbourne”.

To that end, the State Government is investing more than $500 million to deliver the Barwon Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Geelong, Shepparton has been allocated $25 million in funding for a new early parenting centre, while regional and rural Local Public Health Units in Upper Murray, Goulburn Valley, Gippsland, South Western, Grampians and Loddon Mallee will all share in the state-wide investment of $40 million for the ongoing COVID-19 response.

Werribee Mercy Hospital and Casey Hospital are also getting expanded emergency departments with $236 million to double the size of both Emergency Departments.

There is also an allocation of funds to hire up to 7000 new healthcare workers – including 5000 nurses.

However, Shadow Health minister, Georgie Crozier said that the State Budget has revealed a disturbing two billion dollar cut to Victoria’s health system.  

“Victoria has a healthcare crisis and Labor is ripping $2 billion from our hospitals, aged cared system and mental health services,” she said.

“Despite Labor’s spin and claims otherwise, total expenditure on health care will fall by more than $2 billion from $27.06 billion in 2021-22 to $25.02 billion in 2022-2. 

“Cuts confirmed in the budget include funding reductions for admitted services, non-admitted services, emergency services, residential aged care, aged support services, mental health community support services, and acute health in small rural settings.”

Mr Fitzgerald said that WDHS and the community were passionate about the redevelopment project and would continue to lobby hard to ensure its staff and customers get access to services in a safe environment.

“WDHS prides itself on delivering high quality services, and despite the lack of funding, that is what we will continue to do,” he said.

“Thank you to the community for their continued support and patience as we work to secure this much-needed funding.”